by Digs Daily

Created on: July 29, 2009

It's been said that watching others struggle makes one appreciate their own life much more. Sadly, listening to and/or observing other people's misfortune helps one to refocus, and count their blessings. Let's face it, the news of your neighbor being diagnosed with cancer, or your best friend going through a divorce greatly overshadows your disgust with the type of car you drive, or anger from the absence of a long overdue pay raise.

Since 1974, Americans have been bathing in the misery of the Evans family. Despite the poverty stricken backdrop of Cabrini Green projects, James, Florida, J.J., Thelma and Michael still continue to bring smiles to the faces of many. The situation comedy known as Good Times was a top 30 hit for four seasons, and has been in syndication for nearly three decades.

James and Florida were strict parents who didn't take any lip service from the children. James and Florida's stern ways were a mirror reflection of the actors own lives. "John Amos and Esther Rolle, who played James and Florida, were adamant about highlighting the Evans family's values and morality against the dangers and temptations of life in the Projects" (TV Land, 2009). When writers wrote lines that were deemed derogatory, John and Esther were very vocal about it. This put a strain on the relationship between the cast, and show's producer Norman Lear. Esther Rolle actually left the cast for a season, and returned following revision of J.J.'s character. After three short seasons, John Amos was asked to leave the show permanently.

One person who never seemed to have difficulty with the producer was the show's star, J.J., portrayed by Jimmie Walker. Jimmie soaked up every minute of his short lived fame, while Bern Nadette Stanis and Ralph Carter (Thelma and Michael) were relatively quiet off set. Ralph did find the time to release an album in 1975, and performed the lead single "When You're Young and In Love" during season three. Supporting characters such as Mr. Bookman, Willona Woods, Sweet Daddy and Penny (Janet Jackson) were equivalent to delicious frosting on an already incredible cake.

In 2009, the projects known as Cabrini Green are now a memory, but many of the issues The Evans dealt with still exist in modern times. Remember the episode when J.J. was recruited by a local gang against his will? When James saw J.J. being unwillingly held by the gang, he tried to rescue J.J. from gang leader Mad Dog's clutches. Subsequently, J.J. was shot in the arm, and James wanted street vengeance. Instead of fighting fire with fire, Florida was able to convince James to let the courts handle it. Gang violence is still very much relevant today.

What about when Thelma's husband Keith was restricted from playing professional football because of a leg injury? To make matters worse, Thelma's brother J.J. was the blame. Keith had to live with his in-laws for the entire sixth season, which had to be hell on earth!

Norman Lear did an excellent job by hiring writers from the urban community, and allowing them to write from the perspective of those still in the community. This gave inner city residents who suffered from the same circumstances a sense of hope. Being able to see your struggle immortalized live on television, definitely gave minorities a reason to hold their heads high. Good Times also provided viewers from privileged backgrounds with a glimpse of life inside the ghetto. The characters and storylines made the show hugely successful, and after 30 years, Good Times is still Dyn-o-mite!

http://www.tvland.com/shows/goodtimes/main.jhtml

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/12/11/60II/main5 32704.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Times

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